The Ultimate Decluttering Guide to Follow Before You Sell Your Home

The Ultimate Decluttering Guide to Follow Before You Sell Your Home

If you’re selling a home in Jasper (or elsewhere), your REALTOR® will talk to you about staging – the act of making your space as appealing as possible to prospective buyers. However, you can’t stage anything until you’ve decluttered your entire home. If you find the idea of decluttering your home to sell it a little overwhelming, don’t stress; this guide is here to help.

The Ultimate Decluttering Guide to Follow Before You Sell Your Home

Check out these five simple decluttering tips to help you go through your whole home and make it more appealing to prospective buyers:

  1. Start with big stuff
  2. Set a timer
  3. Follow the 6-month rule
  4. Take items out as you fill boxes or bags
  5. Combine organization with your decluttering job

Scroll down for a closer look at each.

445 3rd Avenue
$1,100,000
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
  • 6,861 Sq Ft
  • 22.830 Acres

445 3rd Avenue Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Steve Lukemeyer from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

1987 Grandview Drive
$637,000
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • 5,388 Sq Ft
  • 1.064 Acres

1987 Grandview Drive Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Steve Lukemeyer from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

1928 South A Street
$575,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 1,776 Sq Ft
  • 6.260 Acres

1928 South A Street Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Arlet Jackle from RE/MAX Local.

634 E Wright Road
$399,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 2,940 Sq Ft
  • 2.530 Acres

634 E Wright Road Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Stacey Hurst from RE/MAX REVOLUTION.

307 Newton Street
$360,000
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 3,490 Sq Ft
  • 0.371 Acres

307 Newton Street Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Tama Stemle from RE/MAX Local.

900 Juniper Court
$336,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1,502 Sq Ft
  • 0.344 Acres

900 Juniper Court Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Dara O'Neil from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

980 S Crestwood Dr.
$334,900
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 2,734 Sq Ft
  • 0.580 Acres

980 S Crestwood Dr. Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Larry Carpenter III from Carpenter Realty LLC.

4667 W Ireland Church Avenue
$334,900
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • 1,568 Sq Ft
  • 1.100 Acres

4667 W Ireland Church Avenue Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Marissa Goodness from Carpenter Realty LLC.

920 Brandon Avenue
$270,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 2,548 Sq Ft
  • 0.259 Acres

920 Brandon Avenue Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Sandra Cave from RE/MAX Local.

612 W 8th Street
$229,900
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 2,549 Sq Ft
  • 0.124 Acres

612 W 8th Street Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Dara O'Neil from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

891 Giesler Road
$208,000
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1,800 Sq Ft
  • 0.208 Acres

891 Giesler Road Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Kevin Bayer from RE/MAX Local.

4862 N US 231 Highway
$198,500
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • 1,086 Sq Ft
  • 0.360 Acres

4862 N US 231 Highway Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Kevin Bayer from RE/MAX Local.

1312 Mill Street
$149,900
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1,963 Sq Ft
  • 0.101 Acres

1312 Mill Street Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Felicia Drew from Carpenter Realty LLC.

470 Charlene Drive
$619,700
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • 4,353 Sq Ft
  • 1.115 Acres

470 Charlene Drive Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

6272 N Kellerville Road
$599,000
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 662 Sq Ft
  • 27 Acres

6272 N Kellerville Road Jasper, Indiana

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Listing courtesy of Gary Schnell from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Tip #1 to Declutter to Sell Your Home: Start with big stuff

When it’s time to declutter your home, you can make it easier on yourself by starting with big items, such as furnishings. If you have any furniture that clutters up your space, interrupts clear walking paths, or has simply seen better days, it’s time to put that furniture into storage, donate it, sell it, or throw it away.

You may find that by getting rid of large items first, the job suddenly seems quite a bit more manageable. And after you’ve finished your furniture, you can start on the smaller items cluttering up your cabinets, closets, drawers and other storage spaces.

Related: 3 features that make your home look old

Tip #2 to Declutter to Sell Your Home: Set a timer

If the clutter seems overwhelming, set yourself a timer. You can set it for as long as you’d like. However, the key is to work like crazy during the time the timer is running. For example, if you set a 30 minute timer, enter the room and make it your mission to rehome, throw out or put away as many items as you can. Don’t get distracted; remind yourself that you only have a few minutes left on your timer before you can do something else.

Pro Tip: Turn on some music, a podcast or your favorite TV show. That can help the time go by faster, particularly if you don’t find decluttering very exciting on its own.

Tip #3 to Declutter to Sell Your Home: Follow the six-month rule

When you are decluttering your home to sell it, follow the six-month rule. The six-month rule says that if you haven’t used something in the past six months, you’re very unlikely to need it during the time that your home is on the market. That means it’s safe to get rid of it, donate it, or even put it in your storage unit until you move into your next home. You most likely won’t miss the things that you haven’t used in the past six months.

Tip #4 to Declutter to Sell Your Home: Take items out as you fill boxes or bags

Set up boxes or bags for the items you encounter while you are decluttering your home. At minimum, you need these four:

  • Donate
  • Sell
  • Trash
  • Put away

As one box or bag fills, take it out to your car. The key is getting it out of your home (except the “Put Away” box, that is). Then, when you are finished for the day, take the box or bag where it really belongs – to the dumpster or to your favorite charity. If you plan to hold a yard sale, keep the items in your garage; likewise, if you plan to sell your items on Facebook or another online platform, take photos and list them right away – and then store them in the garage until they’re picked up.

Related: The ultimate guide to moving with a dog

Tip #5 to Declutter to Sell Your Home: Combine organization with your decluttering job

As you put away items you’ve decided to keep, make sure you put them away in an organized fashion. That may mean investing in some new baskets, bins or tubs so that when you put these items away, they have a home that keeps them neat.

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This majestic two story home on nearly 23 acres inside the city limits of Jasper is truly one of a kind. As you come up the winding driveway, the property will "wow" you. Inside the front door you will see the two story-foyer, spacious living room with gas fireplace, and the grand dining room with magnificent chandelier. The huge kitchen has been completely remodeled with custom cabinets, quartz countertop, and all of the appliances a chef would want. The family room provides even more space and also has a gas fireplace. The guest suite on the main floor could also be used as a master suite. Upstairs you will find a master suite with a 19' x 15' walk-in closet loaded with shelves and an island. There are two more roomy bedrooms, both of which share access to a recreation room that would be a kid's dream, along with another full bathroom. The finished basement has a wet bar, large recreation area, and a half bathroom. The freshwater pool was installed in 2014, and comes with a climate-controlled pool house with full bathroom. Like tennis? Serve it up on the like-new tennis court that was resurfaced in 2021. The detached garage also has office space and a loft, which is wonderful for people who work from home but don't want the distractions of home. This fantastic home has all new Anderson windows and new flooring throughout the main floor. Also, the landscaping is irrigated, so go enjoy your evenings doing something fun! $1,100,000 Active

445 3rd Avenue Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 6 Baths 6,861 SqFt 22.830 Acres

Listing courtesy of Steve Lukemeyer from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

SPACIOUS Describes this 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with over 1,800 finished square feet, attached oversize 2-car garage on double corner fenced lot with utility shed in backyard. HiLite of Living room is large wall Fireplace; yet it is semi-open to Dining Room & adjoining equipped kitchen. Half Bath & Massive Laundry are convenient to kitchen and entry from garage. Three Full Size bedrooms and 2 Full Baths are down the hall to the Left of the living area. Many rooms have 'Original Oak Hardwood Floors'! For outside entertaining there is a 10 x 22 covered deck as well as two open concrete patios with access to full lot backyard anxious for a New Owner's Playground and/or Garden Spot. City of Huntingburg E/W/S/G Budget Billing $248/Month. Conveniently located on the 'Walking Trail' from Huntingburg Elementary, Southridge Middle & High Schools Complex into Huntingburg to City Park, Historic League Stadium, Uptown Shopping and Huntingburg Memorial GYM. Don't Miss Your Opportunity On This 'Special Find'! $264,777 Active

102 OAK Street Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,808 SqFt 0.689 Acres

Listing courtesy of Delmar Bromm from HOFFMAN & MULLEN REALTY INC.

Located in Hunters Crossing Subdivision in Huntingburg is this 2562 sq. ft. brick and vinyl Craftsman style home. The main floor open concept design offers a family room, kitchen and dining area complete with a walk-in pantry and half bath located nearby. The upgraded kitchen features an island bar, granite counter tops, tiled back splash, a pretty blanco sink and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. A home office is also conveniently located on level one. Level 2 includes a spacious owner's suite with an oversized bedroom, large bathroom with a twin sink vanity and an abundance of cabinets, a fiberglass shower, and a gigantic walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, the laundry room, and a bonus room comlete level 2. Luxury vinyl plank is installed throughout the main level as well as all bathrooms and laundry room. The 2 car attached garage, rear patio, and welcoming front porch complete this attractive home. Be sure to click on the Virtual tour to view this home. Jagoe Energy Smart "Energy Rebate Program" available through Feburary 2023 with NO energy bills for 2 years(up to $200 per month) gas and electric. Special Interest rate incentive of 5.5% on a 30 year fixed mortage available for qualified Buyers. $312,200 Active

1406 N Hunters Crossing Pass Huntingburg, Indiana

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,562 SqFt 0.180 Acres

Listing courtesy of Gary Schnell from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

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